BACP-BLUE December 1, 2025 Meeting Minutes

1. Review the BACP-BLUE Venezuela peace vigil and discussion held on Saturday, November 15. Good demo and discussion but disappointing no new people turned out, especially since 70% of U.S. population surveyed are against the aggression towards Venezuela. The premise is fighting drugs but this week Trump pardoned Juan Orlando Hernandez, former president of Honduras and a convicted criminal who conspired to import tons of cocaine into the U.S.     

2. Discuss BACP-BLUE's plan for an emergency peace vigil if the United States attacks Venezuela. If the U.S. attacked Venezuela, BACP-BLUE would hold an emergency peace vigil the first noon after the attack. The vigil would be held at the intersection of Sixth and Washington Streets, Brainerd, across from the historic Brainerd water tower.  A follow-up vigil could be held later. Plan approved.  

3. Plan the BACP-BLUE Gaza peace vigil for Saturday, December 6. The vigil will be held at the intersection of Highways 210 and 371, Baxter, near Kohl's. The vigil is scheduled to last from 1 to 2 p.m. Vigil was postponed until Saturday, December 13. Members being out of town and the prediction of cold weather were considerations.  

4. Discuss BACP-BLUE participating in a Zoom meeting among northern Minnesota groups which support the Repeal Campaign. BACP-BLUE endorsed the Repeal Campaign at the Monday, November 3 BACP-BLUE meeting. The Repeal Campaign is urging legislators to repeal Minnesota's anti-BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) law in the 2026 legislative session. Over 30 organizations support the Repeal Campaign organized by the Minnesota BDS Community.  Members were interested in being in on the Zoom meeting. The Repeal Campaign is encouraging everyone to contact their local representatives and encourage them to support senate bill SF 3356 and house bill HF 3258.

5. Discuss BACP-BLUE and Lakes Area Environmental Table (LAET), a recently organized Brainerd area environmental group, possibly hosting a film presentation of "The Light Won't Dim", a 2025 documentary on solar power, in the Brainerd public library's large meeting room on Saturday, January 31. Members agreed to co-host the event. Doug agreed to reserve a room at the library for the date. LAET meets every Monday from 11 to 12:15 at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Baxter.

6. Discuss Kitchigami Regional Library System (KRLS) workers' continuing struggle for workplaces free of harassment, bullying, and discrimination. Trish reported that it is not clear that any progress was being made. One option to resolve the issue is for Brainerd Library to leave the Kitchigami system. 

7. Discuss possible donations BACP-BLUE could make to charitable and non-profit organizations. It was decided to donate $100 to the UCC, $50 to the Radiothon to Prevent Child Abuse and $50 to the Relationship Satety Alliance, formerly Mid-MN Womern's Center. During future meetings we will discuss possible donations to foreign organizations.

8. Treasurers report $1,000.03